The brands have spoken, and they want you to know that domestic violence and sexual assault are bad. In fact, the brands not only think they're bad, but have a theory as to why they persist: the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault don't have a strong enough brand. So, to help get America talking about…»2/05/15 2:55pm 2/05/15 2:55pm

As long ago as it now seems, it was only this past July when Roger Goodell decided to suspend Ray Rice for two games after the Baltimore Ravens running back cold-cocked his future wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. There was outrage, but not enough to change the NFL commissioner's mind. He needed to see the…»2/01/15 4:01pm 2/01/15 4:01pm

Throughout the coverage of the NFL's handling of Ray Rice, talk of the league's investigatory arm has for the most part presumed a certain level of competence. The NFL employs a number of former law enforcement agents, and has billions of dollars besides—it's got to be capable of getting any information it so desires,… »1/09/15 4:39pm 1/09/15 4:39pm

Janay Rice has broken her silence surrounding the elevator incident she suffered at the hands of her husband Ray Rice on February 14, 2014. Her story is chilling and at times confusing, as if Janay realizes she was hit by her husband but doesn't think that the person Ray hit was actually her. »12/01/14 12:20pm 12/01/14 12:20pm

"There was something different about that day," Janay Rice describes, of the day her then-fiancée Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocked her unconscious in an elevator at Revel Casino in Atlantic City. It's been over nine months since the assault took place, and in a first person account, as told to ESPN's…»11/30/14 3:00pm 11/30/14 3:00pm

Amid a weeks-long battle over Adrian Peterson's potential reinstatement, the NFL has decided to push the issue to its end game. The league announced today that Peterson will be suspended indefinitely and without pay—a punishment the NFLPA has already said it will appeal on his behalf. »11/18/14 1:27pm 11/18/14 1:27pm

Major NFL sponsor Anheuser-Busch has issued a serious reprimand and warning to the NFL in response to the league's latest fuckery. This is even better if you imagine the puppy from this year's Super Bowl ad bark-dictating the announcement. Trust me.»9/16/14 6:15pm 9/16/14 6:15pm

The NFL's oafish response to the Ray Rice elevator tape has led to a national outcry against the league's leadership and the culture it has allowed to fester. It was only a matter of time, really, before this became a PR nightmare for its many sponsors and partners. The latest? Cover Girl, the "official beauty… »9/15/14 11:30am 9/15/14 11:30am

A woman's advocacy group is flying banners calling for the ouster of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence case. They'll fly above four different stadiums today and tomorrow. Above, via AP Images, is the day's first, at Cardinals/Giants at MetLife Stadium. »9/14/14 2:40pm 9/14/14 2:40pm

One of my first homicide stories as a young crime reporter was about a woman killed by her boyfriend. One of my last stories as a crime reporter was about a woman killed by her husband. In between, there were too many dead women to count. A few stand out in memory, the ones whose deaths were especially grisly or… »9/11/14 4:38pm 9/11/14 4:38pm

In a memo sent to the owners today, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced massive new punishments for all NFL personnel—not just players—who commit domestic violence offenses. Offenders will be suspended six games for a first offense, and receive an indefinite ban for a second, with the ability to apply for… »8/28/14 3:13pm 8/28/14 3:13pm

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger originally received a six-game suspension as a result of rape accusations against him. But now the punishment has been cut down because he went to church. And apologized to his teammates. And cried. »9/07/10 12:37pm 9/07/10 12:37pm